Podcast: What's Radiation Therapy for Cancer Really Like? An Expert (And Patient) Explains

By Cameron English and ChuckDinerstein — Feb 24, 2026

On this episode of Science Dispatch, we take a look at the radiation oncology experience from the perspective of a patient (and radiation expert) who endured 28 mornings of this common but misunderstood therapy. What does the science say about efficacy and side effects? Perhaps more importantly, what can other patients expect from this experience?

Credit: National Cancer Institute

Join Cameron English and Dr. Chuck Dinerstein on Episode 157 of the Science Dispatch podcast as they discuss:

28 Mornings in the Basement: A Patient’s View of Cancer Radiation

Radiation therapy is often described in clinical terms, but rarely through the eyes of the person lying on the treatment table. After decades of working with medical radiation professionally, I found myself on the receiving end of the beam. This is what radiation therapy looks and feels like.

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Cameron English

Director of Bioscience

Cameron English is a writer, editor and co-host of the Science Facts and Fallacies Podcast. Before joining ACSH, he was managing editor at the Genetic Literacy Project.